Weather in Heraklion

Find out the actual weather in Heraklion right now! Below are current weather reports, forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your day in this beautiful city in Greece.

Heraklion, located in Greece, boasts a typical Mediterranean climate. This means travellers can expect long, hot, and sunny summers and mild, wetter winters. Overall, the weather in Heraklion is inviting for holidays throughout most of the year, especially if you appreciate warmth and abundant sunshine.

The summer months, particularly from June to August, are characterized by high temperatures and minimal rainfall. Daytime temperatures often rise above 25°C, and rain during this period is a rarity. Winter, from December to February, brings cooler weather with average temperatures around 11-14°C and is the rainiest season, although precipitation remains moderate. Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional periods with comfortable temperatures and a moderate number of sunny days, perfect for excursions and walks.

The climate in Heraklion is characterized by noticeable seasonal temperature fluctuations, which is typical for the Mediterranean region. The annual temperature range is quite wide: the coldest months are January, with an average temperature of about 11.3°C (minimum 9.1°C, maximum 13.5°C), and February, with an average temperature of 11.5°C (minimum 9.0°C, maximum 14.0°C). In contrast, the peak heat occurs in July and August. In August, the average temperature reaches 25.7°C, with daytime highs potentially rising to 28.7°C, while nighttime lows stay around 22.7°C. July is also very warm, with an average temperature of 25.5°C.

The summer months in Heraklion, from June to August, are distinguished by consistently hot and dry weather. The average daily temperature in June is 23.3°C, gradually increasing towards August. Daytime temperatures during this period range from 26.4°C in June to 28.7°C in August, while nights remain very warm, with minimum temperatures not dropping below 20°C. Precipitation is virtually non-existent during the summer months, making this period ideal for beach holidays and enjoying the sun.

Winter in Heraklion, spanning December, January, and February, is characterized by mild and cool conditions. Average temperatures during these months range from 11.3°C to 13.1°C. Daytime highs are usually in the range of 13.5°C - 15.4°C, while nighttime lows rarely drop below 9°C. Frost is uncharacteristic for Heraklion. The difference between day and night temperatures throughout the year averages about 4-6.5°C, indicating moderate diurnal fluctuations.

Heraklion observes distinct seasonality in precipitation distribution throughout the year. The city experiences a clear dry summer period and a wetter winter season, albeit with a low total amount of precipitation. Snow is uncharacteristic for Heraklion, so precipitation here falls predominantly as rain.

The highest probability of precipitation falls on the winter months. The wettest months, in terms of rain frequency, are December and January. Each of these months averages 14 rainy days, with total precipitation amounting to about 3 mm. February is also relatively rainy, with 11 days of precipitation (3 mm). March (2 mm, 10 rainy days) and November (2 mm, 8 rainy days) are transitional months to the drier and wetter seasons respectively. Although the total amount of precipitation even in the "wettest" months is small, winter is definitely the season when the likelihood of catching rain is highest.

The summer months, conversely, are characterized by extreme dryness. June, July, and August are the most arid, with average monthly precipitation amounting to 0 mm. In July, it rains on average only one day, in August – two days, and in June – three days. This period is ideal for those seeking guaranteed sunny weather. Spring months, such as April (1 mm, 5 rainy days) and May (1 mm, 5 rainy days), as well as early autumn in September (1 mm, 4 rainy days) and October (1 mm, 7 rainy days), are distinguished by low rainfall, marking the transition to the dry summer season or back to the wetter winter.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Heraklion, it is worth considering its typical Mediterranean climate. In summer, especially from June to August, hot and predominantly dry weather prevails here. Your wardrobe should include light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen), swimwear, a hat for sun protection, sunglasses, and, of course, high SPF cream. Given that there are many historical sites in Heraklion, comfortable shoes for long walks will be your best companion. Don't forget a light cover-up or a long-sleeved shirt – it will come in handy both for protection from the scorching sun during the day and for slightly cool evenings.

The winter months, from December to February, bring cooler weather to Heraklion with average temperatures around 11-13°C. Although heavy downpours are usually rare, the number of rainy days increases. Therefore, for a winter trip, the layering principle is relevant: take t-shirts, warm sweaters or fleece, as well as a mid-season jacket, preferably windproof and water-repellent. Comfortable closed shoes and a small umbrella or a light raincoat will also be very useful. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is changeable: days can be warm and sunny, while evenings are cool. During this period, it is also better to dress in layers, keeping a light jacket or cardigan with you.